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Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile cause distinct pseudomembranous intestinal diseases
M Kent Froberg1, Elizabeth Palavecino, Richard Dykoski
1University of Minnesota, Duluth, Minnesota, USA.
Summary
Simultaneous Clostridium difficile and MRSA infections were found in a patient. MRSA was identified in small bowel pseudomembranes, suggesting it can be an enteric pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) classically presents with colonic pseudomembranes.
- Enteric Staphylococcus aureus infections are less common, with limited understanding of its role as a pathogen in the small intestine.
Observation:
- A patient presented with discrete colonic pseudomembranes characteristic of CDI.
- Confluent, loosely adherent pseudomembranes were observed in the small bowel.
Findings:
- Simultaneous infection with Clostridium difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was diagnosed.
- Polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of MRSA within the small bowel pseudomembranes.
Implications:
- This case suggests that Staphylococcus aureus, specifically MRSA, can act as an enteric pathogen.
- The findings expand the understanding of pseudomembrane formation in the small intestine during polymicrobial infections.
- Further research is warranted to explore the pathogenesis and clinical significance of enteric MRSA.